I Accidentally Started a Capsule Wardrobe When I Added These COS, Madewell, and J.Crew Items Into My Closet

Some people think the holiday season is the best time of year, but I believe it's actually now. It's peak August, which means I can relax on a lounge chair on weekends while shopping for fall (my favorite season to dress for) since the new arrivals have started to land. It really doesn't get better than that, and honestly, that's exactly what my schedule looked like last Saturday and Sunday.

While sunbathing and layering with sunscreen, I had my phone's browser working overtime—all of the tabs were open. I focused mainly on three sites: J.Crew, Madewell, and COS. I've always known they offered great pieces, but their new fall collections look especially elegant and expensive. In just minutes, my digital shopping carts filled up with high-fashion basics like vintage-style straight-leg jeans, fitted cardigans, cinch-waist jackets, croc-embossed belts, sock boots, silk pants, and perfect white tees. Essentially, there was everything I needed to build the ultimate capsule wardrobe. And the best part? I don't have to wait until fall to start wearing them. Interested to see what I found? Scroll down to shop the 35 items. Trust me, they're worth your time and wallet.

Madewell

Madewell

Lace-Trim V-Neck Tank

The Who What Wear fashion team can't stop obsessing over lace-trim tops. The V neckline, under-$50 price tag, and fitted shape make this one a winner.

Madewell

The Longline Straight Jeans

Rumor has it these new jeans fit similarly to Khaite's Danielle jeans.

Madewell

Cabochon-Studded Leather Western Belt

Every season, Madewell comes out with an It belt, and for fall, this cabochon-studded one will be it.

Madewell

Double-Breasted Trench Coat in Plaid

Plaid is a quintessential fall pattern, but this season, it's getting an update. This trench shows just how elevated the print could look.

Madewell

Poplin V-Neck Circle Midi Dress

Style with knee-high boots and a suede bag for a day-to-night look.

Madewell

The Mylie Ballet Flats

You'll want these soft and sleek ballet flats in every color.

Madewell

Boxy-Crop Jacket

I walked into the Madewell store in SoHo this week and saw at least three customers trying this suede jacket on.

Madewell

Poplin Easy Y-Neck Button-Up Shirt

It's called the "Easy" shirt for a reason.

Madewell

The Balloon Jean

Finding barrel-leg jeans that truly flatter can be difficult; however, this new cut does just that.

Madewell

The Top-Zip Shoulder Bag in Suede

This silhouette is everything. Choose between brown, red, and black suede.

COS

COS

Crew-Neck Cotton T-Shirt

This isn't just any white tee; it's one that fits perfectly, whether tucked into jeans or left out.

COS

Cropped Trench Coat Cape

This medium-blue wash reminds me of the vintage jeans styles worn casually by models like Kate Moss and Tyra Banks in the '90s.

COS

Minimal Leather Sneakers

The next hue COS has added to its lineup of best-selling Minimal Leather Sneakers is this stunning, expensive-looking navy blue.

COS

Draped-Collar Merino Wool Dress

Wear this alone with flats or wrap a belt around it to cinch the waist.

COS

Croc-Effect Leather Belt

This looks like a Saint Laurent belt, without the logo, of course.

COS

Cotton Utility Jacket

I can't choose if I like this jacket better in the navy or khaki. What do you think?

I'm normally not one to experiment with color, but this muted blue almost feels like a neutral.

Style with the matching Cropped Jersey T-Shirt ($79).

The handwoven leather detailing will add such nice depth to any basic outfit.

COS

Curved-Hem Cotton Blouse

A top I'll be wearing all fall and winter with jeans, trousers, and textured skirts—similar to the one styled here.

COS

Relaxed Fluid Wide-Leg Pants

Every capsule wardrobe needs a pair of black wide-leg pants.

J.Crew

J.Crew

Perfect Cashmere Cardigan Sweater

This sweater also comes in pink, mint, white, black, navy, and olive green, but I think the dark brown looks the richest.

Silk and satin pants are anticipated to be a top trend for fall 2025. Celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Kendall Jenner, and Elsa Hosk are already wearing them.

J.Crew

Berkeley Large Tote

An actually chic work bag that can fit a laptop, headphones, a notebook, and a change of shoes.

J.Crew

Broken-In Barn Jacket

Last fall, beige and khaki barn jackets were popular, but this year, it's time for red and blue ones to dominate.

J.Crew

Nipped Straight Jean

This silhouette falls somewhere between cigarette jeans and a typical straight-leg.

J.Crew

New Stevie Ankle Boots

J.Crew updated its best-selling Stevie boot. The new version keeps the popular kitten heel and pointed toe but adds a sock-like ankle design for a sleek, modern vibe.

J.Crew

Boatneck Mixy Dress

To save for the holidays or wear now with flats and a straw bag.

J.Crew

Leather Cord Pendant Necklace

It girls everywhere can't get enough of corded pendant necklaces.

J.Crew

Collection Cropped Flight Jacket

If you're going to splurge on anything from this edit, make it this flight jacket. At least that'd be my choice.

J.Crew

Perfect Rib Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

This is a casual and easy layering piece that would look polished when peeking out from underneath a chunky sweater or a lightweight jacket.

J.Crew

New Delaney Kickout Sweater Pants

Thanks to J.Crew, you no longer have to save up to invest in High Sport's viral kick-flare pants. These look just like them but are half the price.

J.Crew

Berkeley Bucket Bag

Despite owning many designer bags, I can say this bucket bag often becomes my go-to because it's compact yet holds a lot and, most importantly, stays in place when sitting on my shoulder.